So, why is it that rule changes are disbanded mid-season for different levels of hockey and, depending on which level you umpire, you could be blowing to two different sets of rules in the same weekend?

The last major experimental rule change imposed upon us by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) was the ‘own goal’ which has now been scrapped in all hockey from September. Unless of course you umpire at National League when this will take effect from February – two sets of rules for the same game in the same country!

But perhaps the FIH should be applauded here. At least they are making regular rule changes, where other sporting bodies seemingly shy away from. After all, one official did tell Indian media last month that they are at pains to make hockey “spectator-friendly and consumable for a bigger audience.”

Personally, the experimental ‘own goal’ was a very positive step forward to enable us to make confident, consistent and ultimately correct decisions.

Is that not what the players all want us to do anyway? This rule removed the element of doubt over who touched the ball, as it is now purely down to if there was a touch - a much easier decision to make than trying to ascertain who had the final touch in a melee of players.

Players will of course knock the lack of skill involved scoring, the unlucky keeper who is outwitted by a rebound off the post, the smash and hope hockey. However this is certainly not what I have witnessed this season.

Perhaps, while tinkering with the deployment of the rules, England Hockey might wish to look at the much debated and highly contentious high stick rule that below National League penalises skill with potential yellow cards.

I leave you with this, taken from the Rules FAQ section of the FIH Website.

15. Why do we play with the same rules for every level?

So that the game each of us plays is the game played by everyone else in the world. For example, a young player can learn from senior and experienced players. It also encourages consistent coaching and umpiring.

I’m not sure they have their facts straight here.

But at least the FIH are being consistent in their rule changing – and that should only benefit the sport as it aims to compete in a congested marketplace on television.

***

The end of England and Australia’s semi-final clash was certainly thrilling, but was field umpire Roel van Eert (who had already awarded Australia their equaliser) pressured into going upstairs to the video umpire? England had certainly influenced him in doing so, despite having no referrals left of their own. If there was doubt, van Eert should have referred before awarding the goal.